I have been traveling the world full-time for almost half of my life, but there is still one thing that I don’t like about traveling, and that is packing.
I always have the overwhelming feeling that I forgot to pack something very important. Truth be told, apart from travel documents, phone, and money everything else can be replaced, so I really have no reason to stress unless… I am packing for a multiday hike.
This is way different because If I forget something, for example, a rain jacket, not only it can make my life miserable, but it might also mean I will have to end the trip early.
What items should you include on your hut-to-hut packing list?
Having hiked many multiday trails in the Italian Dolomites I have developed my own foolproof packing list for hut-to-hut hikes. Whether your trip is 3 or 30 days long this list will ensure that you do not overpack or forget anything important.
Backpack
When you go through this list you might think you will need at least a 65-liter rucksack to fit everything in, but nothing further from the truth!
I had no trouble packing all my camera equipment and the rest of the items on this list into a 36-liter backpack with room to spare. Using a bigger backpack gives the temptation to pack a lot more ‘just in case’ items.
Remember the lighter you go the happier you will be! If I didn’t have my camera equipment, I would have gone with a 25-30 liter backpack.
My go-to brand for backpacks is Osprey. I particularly love their harness system. If adjusted correctly to your body and in the right size, the backpack hugs the back really nicely, stays in one place and the whole weight sits on your hips, exactly where it should!
Hut-to-hut Packing List Group 1: Clothes
Clothes are usually the number 1 thing we all tend to overpack on hut-to-hut treks. Hiking clothes are lightweight, but the weight adds up quickly. Remember if you have to carry everything on your back, every gram counts.
You only need two sets of clothes on your hut-to-hut packing list: one to wear during the day on the hike and the second one to wear around the hut.
The clothes should be multifunctional and made of lightweight and quick-drying materials. I am also a big believer in investing in good quality gear which lasts for years.
Every piece of clothing I recommend below is one that I use myself. I hike a few hundred kilometers of trails every summer and autumn and put my gear under tremendous strain yet it never fails me.
Patagonia Down Jacket
Keep yourself warm during evenings, especially if you plan on leaving the hut and photographing sunsets or sunrises
Shop on Backcountry (US) or Bergfreunde (Europe)
Waterproof Jacket
This is a no-brainer. Don’t count on sunshine all the way through. Afternoon storms are very common in the Dolomites
Shop on Backcountry (US) or Bergfreunde (Europe)
2 x Hiking T-Shirts
You can alternate them & wash them daily at the hut. Make sure they are made from quick-drying synthetic material or if you don’t mind wearing wool you can get Merino wool t-shirts.
Shop on Backcountry (US) or Bergfreunde (Europe)
3 x Merino underwear
No point in taking any more. You can just alternate them and wash them in the hut
Shop on Backcountry (US) or Bergfreunde (Europe)
2 x sports bras
Shop on Backcountry (US) or Bergfreunde (Europe)
Hiking Socks
Make sure you pack socks made out of Merino wool. Good socks will prevent blisters and any funky smells. Don’t carry more than 3 pairs (one on you and two for changing)
Shop on Amazon, Backcountry (US), or Bergfreunde (Europe)
Long Sleeve Hoodie
For colder days. Make sure it is synthetic or if you don’t mind wool on your skin then Merino wool will be fine too.
Shop on Backcountry (US) or Bergfreunde (Europe)
Pants with zip-off legs
To wear during the day. I have a pair of Fjallraven Abisko Lite Zip-Off trousers and Revolution Race trousers. The latter has the best quality-to-price ratio.
Shop on Backcountry (US) or Bergfreunde (Europe)
Leggings or shorts
My favorite brand of leggings is Lululemon, but you can just pack the most comfortable pair of leggings you have at home to wear in the evenings around the hut.
Shop trekking leggings on Backcountry (US) / Bergfreunde (Europe)
Patagonia Trucker Hat
An absolute must-have. I have a Patagonia sun hat. Love the colors and the fit.
Shop on Amazon, Backcountry (US), or Bergfreunde (Europe)
Julbo Trekking Sunglasses
With UV filter (strength at least 3). Protecting your eyes from the sun is just as important as protecting your skin with sunscreen.
Shop on Backcountry (US), or Bergfreunde (Europe)
Buff Scarf
This is probably the most versatile piece of clothing. It can be used as a hat, headband, scarf, and a dozen other ways.
Shop on Amazon, Backcountry (US), or Bergfreunde (Europe)
Icebreaker Trekking Gloves
Pack them especially when your trek is planned for September as the mornings and evenings do get cold.
Shop on Backcountry (US), or Bergfreunde (Europe)
Hanwag Alverstone boots
Hanwag boots carried me across the Dolomites for hundreds of kilometers until I wore the sole off. My own fault, because you can actually resole them! They are very well made, comfy, and look nice! Just invest in a comfy insole.
Shop Hanwag boots on Backcountry (US) or Bergfreunde (Europe)
Slide Sandals
To wear around the hut and for use in the showers. Opt for slide-in sandals instead of flip-flops, because you want to be able to wear socks! It’s the latest fashion trend after all 😉
Shop on Amazon / Backcountry (US) / Bergfreunde (Europe)
Sea-To-Summit Compression Sack
Store all your clothes in a stuff sack to save space and have easy access to them, when stored in your backpack. I recommend either the 8-liter or the 13-liter version.
Shop on Amazon
Hut-to-hut Packing List Group 2: Toiletries
Remember to carry small travel-sized bottles. No need to take a whole tube of toothpaste or face cream. The idea is to fit all your toiletries, which are on your packing list, into a small bag.
- Toiletry Bag – a small cosmetic pouch that will fit everything that you need for your hut-to-hut trip! Leave your make-up at home.
- Sunscreen – 50 ml (at least 30 SPF, ideally SPF 50). The sun in the mountains is fierce. Don’t risk sunburn and apply that sunscreen!
- Face cream – because you aren’t getting any younger!
- Sea to Summit Trek & Travel Pocket Soaps– I know some of us like to have 20 different bottles for each body part but in this case, these environmentally friendly and lightweight dry pocket soaps will do the trick!
- Sea to Summit Biodegradable Wilderness Wash– take that stink out of your clothes and wash them at the hut in the afternoon
- Toothbrush – I hope I don’t need to explain why you need a toothbrush
- Toothpaste 10 ml – same as above
- Hairbrush – optional. I sometimes pack it and other times I don’t. I don’t brush my hair very often, so a few days without it is totally fine for me. I just comb my hair with my fingers.
- Hair bobbles – If you like to keep your hair out of the way
- Deodorant (50ml) – to keep the stink at bay
- Small shaver (optional) – If I go for a week or longer, I do pack it with me, but it’s totally optional
- Cream for cuts and blisters – Have you heard of the PAWPAW cream? It was recommended to me on my travels in Australia. It has many purposes, including lip moisturizer! You will never buy any other product again after trying this one, I promise! It’s a lifesaver.
- Ortovox mini first aid kit – if there is more than one person in your party then just carry one between you.
- Painkillers – if your trekking partner gives you headaches because of all their whining
- Immodium – if the food at the hut causes some digestion problems
- Any other medicine you might be taking on a regular basis
- Paper tissues and/or wet wipes – are a staple for any backpacker on a hut-to-hut trek. Just don’t throw them away into the bush. I hate the sight of toilet paper flying around in the most pristine areas!
Hut-to-hut Packing List Group 3: Snacks
- Rehydration tablets – replace those electrolytes. Adding them to your water will quench your thirst a lot better and speed up your recovery.
- Nuts – avoid salted nuts, I always go with walnuts, almonds, or cashews.
- Date and nut bars or protein bars – go as natural as possible, avoid muesli bars full of added sugar.
Hut-to-hut Packing List Group 4: Hiking Gear
Luckily there isn’t much hiking gear you need to put on your packing list for a hut-to-hut trek in the Dolomites.
There is no necessity of carrying a tent, sleeping bag, or cooking set because not only do the huts offer a comfortable night’s sleep in a real bed, but also have restaurants on-site! That’s the reason lightweight hiking is possible in the Dolomites!
There are however still a few things you need to pack all enlisted below.
Sleeping Bag Liner
A sleeping bag liner is required at the huts to prevent direct contact with the sheets. They are not washed every day.
Shop on Amazon / Backcountry (US) / Bergfreunde (Europe)
Microfiber Trekking Towel
You do need to wash yourself every now and again after all.
Shop on Amazon / Backcountry (US) / Bergfreunde (Europe)
Hydrapak Water Bladder
Drink hands-free whilst you admire all the landscapes around you. One of the greatest inventions in the hiking gear industry
Shop on Amazon / Backcountry (US) / Bergfreunde (Europe)
Head Torch
Oftentimes the huts only run the lights until 10 or 11 PM, after that you will have to use the head torch. It’s also polite to use it at night when everyone else is sleeping in the room and you need to use the bathroom
Shop on Amazon / Backcountry (US) / Bergfreunde (Europe)
Black Diamond Trekking Poles
To help you drag your butt up and down those mountain passes.
Shop on Amazon / Backcountry (US) / Bergfreunde (Europe)
Maps
To know where you are going
Hut-to-hut Packing List Group 5: Personal Items
- ID or Passport – it’s smart to carry one with you in case something happens
- Credit/debit card – so you can go crazy at the hut bar!
- Cash – many huts still don’t accept cards, so cash is necessary. Spread it around in different pockets.
- Alpine club membership – if you have one, bring it! It can save you quite a bit of money. I talk about it in my post about the ins and outs of staying in mountain huts in the Italian Dolomites.
Hut-to-hut Packing List Group 6: Via Ferrata Equipment (trail depending)
Some of the multiday hikes in the Italian Dolomites have via ferrata incorporated into them. Examples are Alta Via 2, Alta Via 4, Rosengarten Traverse, and the Dolomiti Brenta Circuit. To undertake them you will need to put a dedicated via ferrata equipment onto your hut-to-hut packing list.
Black Diamond Helmet
Rockfall is a major concern on via ferrata routes. Unbeknownst to you, other climbing groups above you may accidentally dislodge a small rock and send it hurtling down the mountain. If it hits you on the head it could have serious consequences. A helmet placed on your head (not inside your backpack) is a must!
Shop on: Amazon / Backcountry (US) / Bergfreunde (Europe)
Black Diamond Momentum Harness
Another must-have on a via ferrata route is a climbing harness. A harness works as an anchor point for your via ferrata lanyard. Make sure to try it on first before your trip to ensure it fits snugly without limiting your movements. Aim for a lightweight harness, that will be comfy to wear between the cable-protected sections when you are hiking.
Shop Women’s on Amazon / Backcountry (US) / Bergfreunde (Europe)
Shop Men’s on Amazon / Backcountry (US) / Bergfreunde (Europe)
Edelrid, Camp or Black Diamond Via Ferrata Lanyard
A via ferrata lanyard connects the climber and their harness to the cables along the route. Its two arms and a hidden extra coil work as an energy absorption system in case of a fall, by reducing the stress on the climber. The two carabiners at the end of the lanyard are used to clip into the cable. Make sure the carabiners are equipped with the palm squeeze mechanism. It’s the safest and most comfortable.
Shop on Amazon / Backcountry (US) / Bergfreunde (Europe)
Black Diamond Crag Gloves
The gloves are meant to protect your hands from any cuts and scratches you may otherwise get if you haul yourself on the cable without them. Personally, I prefer full-fingered gloves for extra protection against blisters.
Shop on: Amazon / Backcountry (US) / Bergfreunde (Europe)
Reeloq Smartphone Securing System
If you want to be able to take great photos on a via ferrata and not worry about losing your phone, Reeloq is the best tool for it. It’s a smartphone securing system, that will allow you to use your phone on any of your adventures. This has been a great addition to my tool arsenal. When you order Reeloq through my link you will receive 10% discount.
Shop on: REELOQ (Europe only)
Hut-to-hut Packing List Group 7: Electronics
How much electronic equipment you decide to include on your hut-to-hut packing list is entirely up to you. As a photographer and a blogger, I carry quite a bit of camera equipment with me, but if you are trekking only, then I recommend that you take only the bare essentials. Here is what I take:
- Camera + lenses + SD Cards + spare battery – my current set-up is the Nikon Z6II with the 24-70mm/f4 kit lens and the Nikkor 35mm/f1.8 prime lens. A while back I made a decision to keep my lens arsenal down to a minimum as I don’t enjoy hiking with a heavy backpack.
- Peak Design camera clip – a must-have if you want to carry your camera safely and comfortably. The clip attaches to the backpack strap and the mounting plate to the camera. It’s a very convenient way to be able to access your camera really quickly without having to store it away each time after taking a shot. You can see me wearing my camera attached to my backpack strap in the photo above.
- Phone – if you want to keep in touch with your family and friends. A lot of the huts in the Dolomites do have phone reception. Don’t forget to keep it in flight mode when not using it to keep the batteries running for as long as possible.
- Small Tripod (optional) – I have two Sirui tripods, but I take the smaller one – Sirui Mini Tripod AM-223 on my backpacking trips. It weighs only 700 grams (1.6 pounds) and the tripod’s ball head also works with the Peak Design mounting plate.
- InReach Mini GPS device (optional) – this is a great device for anyone who hikes solo. A great investment into your own safety. Remember to carry it attached by a carabiner to the outside of your backpack to ensure quick and easy access
- Camera and phone charging cables and a European plug – Hopefully all your devices charge via USB or USB-C. That way you can take only one European adapter plug with you and attach different charging cables for different devices.
Hut-to-hut Packing List Group 8: Miscellaneous & Optional
- Ear plugs – To help with your sanity if your bunk buddy is an incessant snorer.
- Play cards – for nighttime entertainment. Sometimes cards and other games are available at the huts. These multipurpose Basecamp cards with questions on their backside, double as a great conversation starter.
- Ebook reader – for whoever loves to read. You can also have your trekking guide on it! I have the Kindle Paperwhite and love the built-in light, which allows me to read books in bed without disturbing my bunk buddies in the hut’s dorms.
Do you have any questions or suggestions about my list? Drop them in the comments below. I answer all comments personally! Make sure to download the checklist and use it for packing for your next hut-to-hut adventure in the Alps!
Hi Marta,
Thanks for the detailed information you provide. It helps a lot. I would like to ask a question about the cellular coverage along the Alta Via 4 path. It’d be good to know what to expects – decent coverage, sporadic coverage or no coverage at all. Would buying travel eSim e.g.: Airalo with data plan only (no calls) be enough or local sim card would be a better option?
Thanks.
Hi Ilya. Thanks for visiting. For the most part you will have coverage, but not always. They are some patches where there is none. For example I had coverage in all huts apart from Vandelli. There was also hardly any reception when hiking from Vandelli to San Marco. In Locatelli there was phone reception if you moved a bit away from the hut. When I was in Italy I had an Italian Sim card (windtree) and it worked very well. Unfortunately i don’t know anything about Airalo so I can’t speak for them.
Hi Marta, tx for sharing all this info :).
One of (!) the valuable bits for me was that the Alta Via 2 Via Ferrata are beginner level. Nice 🙂
I plan to walk the route, if the weather allows, during the next couple of weeks… and got a bit worried by the varying degrees of severity of the route as it sometimes was described elsewhere… I already did several 1-3 week hikes in the western Alps and Skandinavia, some easy via ferrata’s… so am no beginner… but hiking always requires care… so had become very cautious…Now I will still take it day by day… but it looks manageable now :). )
Hi Hans. I am glad you are approaching this with a careful mindset. Have fun on the trails and best of luck!
Hi Marta, great article, very useful and informative 🙂
I’m quite curious about the Paw Paw cream – I’ve read it has a ‚thousand’ purposes, such us healing cuts, burns etc, but the description never mentions blisters. You do mention it’s great for blisters in your post, and so I wanted to double check – do you often get blisters and does it really help you? 🙂 do you put it on without ‚popping’ the blister?
Hey Aga. Yes it helps with blisters too. I never pop them, but I also hardly ever get them. Good hiking socks are a must and will prevent them. I love the PawPaw cream so much that my friends always laughed at me, because whenever anyone would get hurt they would instantly hear from me “put PawPaw on it”. 😉
Hi Marta. Thanks so much for your helpful advice. I’m also keen to keep my pack as light as possible. This is my first trip. What do you wear at night in the huts other than your yoga leggings. Do you wear your next days hiking top? Do you take pyjamas? We’re staying in dormitory rooms. Thank you!
Hi Kelly. I am glad my articles have helped you with your planning. I usually sleep in my underwear (if i have to get up at night then I put leggings or shorts on, or sometimes I don’t bother at all. Everyone is asleep anyways haha. The rooms are usually warm, sometimes even too warm, despite the windows being open. I always try to get a spot right next to the window for fresh air. As for the top, yes I sleep in the t-shirt or sometimes pack some extra lightweight cotton tank top. I hope that helps.
Hi Marta,
Thank you so much for your articles, they have been a huge help to planning a trip with a friend! I see in your photos that sometimes you are pretty layered up and sometimes just down to shorts and a tshirt. We are going to Tre Cime at the end of August for a couple of days. I believe I saw somewhere on your website that the temperature ranges from 68-86F in August, but I also saw on a weather app that it is 34-54F in August but I am not sure what altitude that measurement came from. Can you advise on how warm/cold it tends to get during the day and night? I do have basic layers but I don’t have a good compact windbreaker/insulated jacket and I’m wondering if that is something worth investing in or if it won’t be that cold. Thank you!
Hi Sarah. Thanks for visiting. No matter if it’s mid summer or late autumn I always carry an insulation layer with me because evenings and mornings in the mountains are pretty cold and I often leave huts in the evening and go out taking photos. My first time when I visited Tre Cime it was late August and it snowed overnight then during daytime it was 20+ celsius. The temperature fluctuations can be really big. If you only plan on staying inside the huts in the evenings, than you can skip one layer because during daytime it gets really warm, but you should still carry a waterproof jacket with you and a long sleeve.
Hi Marta,
Thanks for the packing list. Regarding via ferrata, can you hire all equipment at the ski rental places nearby, please? Meaning the helmet, gloves, harness and lanyard. Also, can you hire trekking poles there too or is this something we should bring before? Thanks!
Hi Ellie. Yes, you generally can rent via ferrata equipment in the sports rental shops (apart from gloves). As for trekking poles I am not sure about that so I would recommend that you contact and ask them directly.
Hi Marta, we just booked a 3 day trip in the last week of August and will be flying into Milan… I saw your recommendation for the 38L Osprey rucksack…however, when I look at the dimensions, they seem to be more than that allowed as hand baggage…any thoughts? Many thanks!
Hi Ankur. Thanks for stopping by. You can also try Osprey Talon 30 litres. My 36 litre backpack was never full to the brim so if you pack smart you should fit into 30liter without a problem.
REALLY appreciate the info you provide on this site!! THANK YOU!!
We are planning a 2 night hut > hut circumnavigation of Tre Cime Di Lavaredo in September, starting from car park near Rifugio Piano Fiscalina > Rifugio Locatelli > Rifugio Comici > Rifugio Piano Fiscalina [exit] All reservations have been made and accepted! We’re hoping you can help answer a few questions we have in preparation for our adventure.
1 Rental Gear [Backpacks, trekking poles] recommendations in Cortina d Ampezzo
2. Route selection recommendations: Rifugio Locatelli> Circumnavigation of Tre Cime di Laverado > Rifugio Comici [No via Ferrattas on THIS trip]
a] Option 1 [from Rifugio Laverado]
Path 104 > Path 101 > Rifugio Comici
b] Option 2 [from Rifugio Laverado]
Return to Rifugio Locatelli > Path 101 [Rifugio Pian di Cengia] > Path 101 [Rifugio Comici]
c] YOUR recommendations?
Again, THANKS for being a GREAT resource for our adventure in the Dolomites!
Hi George. Thanks for visiting. I will be honest I am having troubles understanding your comment with the options for your hiking trails. I am happy to jump onto a call with you if you need help figuring out an itinerary. Here is my trip planning advice offer. Let me know if you are interested!
Is there somewhere in Milan that you know of where some of this gear can be bought? We are flying into Milan and this type of gear isn’t sold where we live, so I’m wondering if via Ferrata lanyards can be purchased at any specific outdoor stores once we land there?
Hi Callie. Thanks for visiting. Via ferrata gear is sold in most outdoor stores in Europe. Milan will have plenty of those. Outdoor shops in the Dolomites also sell via ferrata gear for example in Cortina D’Ampezzo, Corvara, or towns in Val Gardena/Val Di Fassa. Let me know if you have more questions!
Thanks for this list! I have done many multi-day hikes, but have never stayed in huts, so this is very helpful. I have reservations to hike the alta via 1 this Sept., and I believe the huts are not requiring to bring our own sleeping bag anymore, just the liner sheet… at least I hope so!
Hey Sarah! congrats on securing reservations. BYO sleeping bag was the case during COVID, but nowadays things are back to normal. Have fun on the trail!
Hi Marta,
Hiked AV-2 last year. Wish to hike AV-4 this year. What are the difficulty levels of the ferrata sections
on AV-4 from Rifugio Tre Scarperi to Rifugio Vandelli?
i.e., the Hulsler& Schall scale.
Great site and thank you for your help.
Hi Ernest. Thanks for visiting. I can’t tell you the H&S difficulty scale, but what I can tell you is that the via ferratas along AV4 are a lot more challenging than the ones on AV2, particularly the VF Vandelli and VF to Forcella Ghiacciao after the San Marco refuge. Both would still be considered intermediate scale. Via ferratas on AV2 are beginner routes. Sorry I can’t help further, but if you have any more questions do let me know.
Hi Marta, thanks for the information. I am looking to do AV1 this June but was considering only doing 4-5 days of hiking and not the full trail. Where do you think is the best/ easiest place to finish up after 4 or 5 days with relation to roads and public transport, assuming I start at Lago di Braies?
Also, the hike is only part of my trip, is there anywhere that you can store bags/ suitcases while you do your hike?
Hi Tom. Thanks for stopping by. At the end of the post, I have a section on the early escape routes. To be honest the easiest would be to finish on day 4 on Passo Giau and then get down to Cortina. On an extra day, you could do a day hike to Lake Sorapiss or one of the via ferratas around Cortina (Michielli Strobel for example, or Giovanni Lipella). It would also be easier because you could stay the night before the hike in Cortina and leave your luggage at a hotel in Cortina then bus to Lago di Braies in the morning to start your AV1 hike.
Or After night 3 at rifugio Lagazuoi you could do via ferrata Cesco Tomaselli on Day 4 and stay night 4 in rifugio Dibona then on day 5 do via ferrata Giovanni Lipella and hike down to Cortina after that. Let me know if that helps!
Hi Marta!
Do you have any intel on when the mountain huts might open this year? I am planning on doing AV2 starting on June 15th, but am worried that some of the huts won’t be open and am not sure how to plan around this – sources online give different opening dates with a consensus around mid to late June. Thanks!
Hi Blake! Thanks for stopping by. They open differently year to year as the snow conditions are monitored, that’s why most sources will tell you mid-June or the third week of June. Most huts have websites and post info 1-2 months prior to opening when the exact opening date will be. For example, if you go to rifugio Genova (Schlueterhuette(com) You will see in the first line of their text that they were open from June 17 until October 9, 2022. Since they usually open for the weekend and June 17th was a Friday, my presumption is that in 2023 they will open on June 16th (it’s a Friday too). Most huts are coordinated and open more or less at the same time because they know they lie along a certain route. This excludes some high-altitude huts where the snow remains longer. For example rifugio Capanna Fassa at the top of Piz Boe, they are usually open from the start of July until the end of September, but the summit of Piz Boe is only an extension to AV2. I hope this clarifies things for you.
Hi Marta, your website is such a great resource! I was wondering if it’s possible to rent a nice backpack from a nearby town (perhaps the same kind of place that rents via ferrata gear)? I currently own a large pack for backpacking and a tiny daypack, but nothing suitably in-between, and would rather not buy something I’m not sure I’ll use often.
Hi Shil. Thanks for your feedback. I am afraid I won’t be able to help you with this one. I have never heard of backpack rentals. I would recommend that you head over to eBay or similar and search for something second-hand! particularly because you would probably spend more on the rental and you would have to travel back to the rental place after completing a traverse. Sorry I couldn’t help any further.
Hi Marta! I’m hiking the AV1 in late July/early August and wondered what your experience has been with buying food at each rifugio to take along the trail with you. I’m planning on bringing some nuts or clifbars with me as a backup food and also paying for half-board at each location, but just curious about the snack situation.
Thanks!
Hi! One more question… What are your thoughts on traveling with only a sleeping bag liner, rather than both that and a sleeping bag? Just trying to lighten my pack as much as possible.
Hi Kelly. I always only had a sleeping bag liner with me as the huts provide blankets/duvets. The only thing was that during the pandemic many huts required people to have sleeping bags, but that’s not the case anymore.
Hi Kelly. Thanks for stopping by. I usually made it to the next refuge by lunchtime and just purchased lunch from their restaurant. I also had coffee and cake in the afternoon before dinner time., I had half board at every single refuge I stayed in when backpacking on AV1. As for snacks I usually packed enough at the very start of the trek to last me till the end, but I used them sparingly. For example 1 x 500 grams bag of nuts and I would have a handful each day + one protein bar for each day. I highly recommend protein bars over cliff bars. Cliff bars are just pure sugar, proteins will keep you full for longer and are smaller/handier to pack. I did lose a couple of kilos when hiking AV1. My dad lost 3kg, but I think that’s very normal and I gained it back very quickly.
Hi Marta! Thanks for creating such an incredible website 😍 We’re hiking Via Ferrata 1 in mid August this year, and were wondering what you recommend about shoes.. As it’s August we were wondering if we can get away with just trail running shoes (we both also have waterproof pairs as well as normal ones), or whether we definitely need to bring walking boots, or if its worth bringing both in case one pair of shoes rubs, etc. I was edging towards bringing my light, waterproof hiking boots then also a pair of light trail running shoes for dry/hot days, but wasn’t sure if that’s overkill and I should just bring one pair of shoes? It’s so hard to decide what to go for! Personally I find trainers much more comfy than boots in hot weather. Advice very welcome 🙂 Thanks
Hi Heidi. Thanks for visiting. I presume by saying you are thinking of Via Ferrata 1 you actually mean hiking Alta Via 1? Bear in mind that August is the busiest month in the Dolomites so securing hut reservations at this time might be difficult.
As for the type of shoes you want to take I think it’s down to personal preference. I hiked all Alta Vias in my heavy hiking boots and at times I was very happy to have them (we still had lots of snow, the terrains is very rocky) at others (when it was hot) i hated them and couldn’t wait to get out of them. I still prefer to have a lighter backpack though than carry two pairs of shoes 🙂
If you prefer to hike in trail running shoes or approach shoes then go for it. The thing is neither big hiking boots nor trail running shoes will be perfect for all situations. If you don’t mind extra weight in your backpack take two pairs by all means! I know that I will do anything to keep the weight of my backpack down to a minimum, but that’s me 🙂
Hi Marta, did you bring a water filter? Are there streams along the way or do you mostly rely on filling up at the refugios? Thanks!
Hi Susan. No, I don’t carry a water filter I just drink the tap water in the huts. I never got sick, but I can’t 100% vouch for the quality of water either as it does come from snowmelt. I usually carry electrolytes with me. Huts do sell bottled water too. I hope that helps!
Hello,
I have two questions, first, how do you go about washing your clothes in the huts? Secondly, are you able to buy the Tabacco Maps in stores while in Italy, or do you have to buy them online?
Hi Maxwell. Thanks for visiting my site. I just hand wash the shirts and underwear that I wore on the day in the bathroom sink of the hut. It’s usually cold water only but it does the job to wash off the sweat. You can carry a small bottle of sea to summit clothing wash with you. As for maps, you can buy them in Italy. All tourist towns in the Dolomites have little tourist shops where they sell them. Sports stores sell them too. Even rifugios often sell them! It’s easy to purchase them there. Let me know If I can help any further!
Hi Marta, thanks for the post. Is it necessary to bring a portable solar charger? I’ve heard that some huts do not provide charging points? I’ll be trekking the Via Alta 2.
Hi Alex. Thanks for visiting. No, it isn’t. I didn’t carry a power bank or solar charger with me and had zero trouble recharging my phone, GPS and camera batteries along the way. Just make sure to ask at the huts within what time you can charge your stuff. Some huts only have power available within certain hours and it’s usually switched off at night. I’d say recharge your things as soon as you get to the hut. I hope that helps!
Thanks!
Hi Marta!!! Do you have any experience in Mid September? We aren’t hiking from rifugio to rifugio but plan to take cable cars up, hike around rifugios and spend the night at the rifugio. My partner is a landscape photographer so we want to be there for sunset/sunrise.
My question is that I tend to run cold and wonder what level of down jacket I need for evenings/early mornings in mid-late sept at the rifugios?
Any advise here? Thank you!!!
Hi Emily. Thanks for visiting. During my first season in the Dolomites, I stayed all the way until the beginning of November. I spent two September in the Dolomites and I can tell you that the weather and temperatures vary greatly between towns and valleys and peaks. I think the most important thing is layers. You don’t need a super warm down jacket, but you definitely will need a shell to put over your down jacket (that is windproof and waterproof) The shell makes a huge difference because it keeps the warmth. Also, remember that down doesn’t generate heat but retains it so it’s important that you get into your jackets when you are warm and don’t let yourself cool down but keep moving.
A beanie and gloves are a must, I even wear them during the summer season in the mornings and evenings. To put things in perspective for you during last October when I was in the Dolomites I wore t-shirts when hiking up the mountains then once at the summit I would be putting on 3 more layers. I also always bring a t-shirt to change so I am wearing dry clothes at summits, this makes a huge difference. If you run cold make sure to have a jacket with 800cuin. Patagonia has great jackets made out of traceable down followed by highest standards in the industry. I currently own one myself. I hope that helps!
Hi Marta! Do you know any places in Fiera di Primiero to rent via ferrata equipment?
Hi Myrtle. There are a few ski rental places that often rent via ferrata and bikes in the summer. Look for noleggio on google maps and contact the places directly. There are a few in FdP or San Martino Di Castrozza.